Explore the Natural Wonders of Carver Park Reserve

There’s much to explore at Carver Park Reserve. A nature center, campground, and historic farm site are all a must-see, and there’s nine miles of natural-surface trails to enjoy as well. This urban park is also home to a pair of bald eagles, so expect to spot some big birds while you’re exploring. You’ll also find plenty of wildlife to view, including many species of migratory birds. Get More Information!

Lowry Nature Center

If you love being outdoors and taking nature hikes, consider visiting the Carver Park Reserve Lowry Nature Center. Located in the heart of Minneapolis, this park is the city’s first public nature center. It features interpretive signs and exhibits, along with a wildlife area and fire places. The center also includes a playground for kids. A great place to spend a day with your family, the Lowry Nature Center has something for every member of your family.

The Lowry Nature Center also offers an extensive map of the nature trails throughout the park. This map shows the entire park and the trails around the Nature Center, along with the mileage for each loop. Many of these trails include a floating boardwalk. In winter, the Lowry Nature Center has groomed cross country skiing trails. The park also has two ponds that are perfect for watching eagles.

Fred E. King Waterfowl Sanctuary

A scenic, 3500-acre area of Minnesota, the Fred E. King Waterfowl Sanctuary at Carver Park Reserve is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. Here, visitors can view various types of waterbirds and other wildlife, including trumpeter swans, great blue herons, and other species. During the summer, this wildlife preserve is open to the public for fishing, hiking, and boating.

Osprey nesting platform

To save the endangered osprey from extinction, the city of Chicago has installed a 35-foot Osprey nesting platform. The installation, a result of a partnership between the city of Chicago and the Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy, is part of a broader national effort to protect these birds. Nesting platforms should be located near sources of food and water to ensure the birds are safe and can build their nests there.

Conservationists are working to bring the osprey back to the Twin Cities. In the early 1900s, ospreys were nearly exterminated from the area, mainly because they were a target for hunters. Because of their fearlessness, they were easily shot out of their habitat. The conservationists wanted to change that, so they reintroduced six young ospreys from northern Minnesota to the Carver Park Reserve. The birds were too young to reproduce, but conservationists were hopeful that these birds could be reintroduced to their natural habitat. See This Helpful Information!

9 miles of natural-surface trails

Located near the Three Rivers Park in Minneapolis, the nine-mile Carver Park Reserve has a variety of trails for hikers and bikers. In addition to natural-surface trails, this park has paved bike paths and a campground. You can bring your dogs along to explore the trails or ride your bike on the paved paths. In addition to 88 miles of hiking trails, the park also has nine miles of natural-surface trails.

Nearby Halibut Point State Park, there are easy hiking trails. Two miles of these trails trace the edge of the Babson Farm Quarry, which is filled by underground springs. The granite quarried in this quarry was used to pave thousands of city streets and build bridges and monuments. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sundown. Holyoke Mountain State Reservation is a 10 mile hiking trail with views of the Connecticut River Valley and Mount Monadnock.

Canoes, kayaks and rowboats

If you’re looking for a place to rent canoes, kayaks, or rowboats, look no further than the Carver Park Reserve. It’s located between two bodies of water, offering 57 campsites and a no-wake lake. It’s also home to waterfowl, songbirds, ospreys, and many other species of birds. You can also check out the King Waterbird Sanctuary and the Grimm Farm Historic Site. There are several places to rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, including a boat launch on the outside of the park. And for an hourly rate, you can use the DNR’s boat launch.

The car-parking lot is accessible, and boat trailers are available for rent. There are limits on the number of motorized boats on the lake, the carrying capacity of the boats in the lake, and the number of trailer parking spaces at the park. Lakes Zumbra, Parley Lake, and Lake Auburn don’t require boat trailer passes. But if you’re planning to launch a boat, check the availability first and make your reservation online. If you don’t have a reservation, you’ll be able to use the watercraft that day.

Trailhead for 11 miles of ski trails

The new Singletrack Trail is currently being constructed at Carver Park Reserve. An additional five to six miles are planned. There are also nine miles already cut in. Construction is currently underway on boardwalks and trail crossings. Look for announcements about these in fall 2020. Until then, you can enjoy the 11 miles of cross-country ski trails. After a long day on the slopes, why not stop by the park and check out the snowshoe trails?

There are several trailheads in the reserve. The Lower Trail begins at the car park and follows the lower portion of the trail. From here, you can head west on a loop trail or head east towards the scenic Swan Lake Trail. The Middle Trail is another popular trail. It winds through restored prairie and forest. The trail is accessible throughout the year. After the trailhead, you can visit the nearby Lowry Nature Center for a picnic lunch. Next Page!

Driving Direction from Wash Master to Carver Park

Driving Direction from Carver Park to Missile Park